Van Sicklen drafted by D.C. United

Katie Linder <br>

01/14/2005

Former UW men's soccer player taken in second round

Nick Van Sicklen, a senior forward with the University of Wisconsin men's soccer team last fall, was drafted 19th overall by D.C. United in the 2005 Major League Soccer SuperDraft Friday in Baltimore, Md.

"I heard this morning from Coach [Jeff] Rohrman that D.C. was interested, but I never expected to be drafted in the second round," Van Sicklen said. "I surpassed all my hopes by being drafted so high and to such a great team. I'm honored to be a part of this organization."

"We felt like Nick would satisfy our primary need," United head coach Peter Nowak said. "There were a lot of good players at the combine, but we're excited to be working with Nick."

Van Sicklen, who finished the year with a Big Ten high 12 goals and seven assists for 31 points, is only the fourth Badger to be drafted for the MLS. Van Sicklen also tried out for European soccer teams prior to his selection.

Davis, Leonhard in all-star games Saturday

Former Badgers safety Jim Leonhard and right tackle Morgan Davis will play in senior all-star games Saturday. Leonhard will suit up for the East team, led by Purdue coach Joe Tiller, in the East-West Shrine Game in San Francisco. Davis will compete with the North team in The Villages Gridiron Classic in The Villages, Fla., Saturday. Ohio State coach Jim Tressel will coach the North team.